US Judge Blocks Sanctions Against UN Expert Albanese
A federal judge on Wednesday temporarily blocked U.S. sanctions against Francesca Albanese, finding the measures likely violated her free-speech rights. The ruling follows a lawsuit alleging the sanctions effectively debanked the U.N. special rapporteur after she criticized the war in Gaza.
A federal judge in the United States blocked sanctions against UN expert Francesca Albanese on Wednesday, citing likely violations of free-speech rights. The ruling halts measures that barred the official from entering the country or accessing banking services. The decision limits the executive branch's ability to use financial penalties to restrict the speech of international officials.
### Free Speech Protections for International Officials U.S. District Judge Richard Leon found that the administration likely violated the First Amendment by targeting Albanese for her criticism of Israeli military actions. Albanese, an Italy national and UN special rapporteur, had recommended war-crimes prosecutions against both Israeli and American citizens. Leon ruled that her residency outside the country does not negate her constitutional protections against government-regulated speech.